The Long Beach Public Library will celebrate the launch of its new literacy program, Dive into Reading, which aims to support early childhood education at the Michelle Obama Library on Wednesday, April 18.

Vice Mayor Rex Richardson will host a storytime for the children during the launch. Additional activities will include singing, crafts and opportunities to sign up for the program.

The main goal of the program is to encourage parents  to read 1,000 books with their children before the start of kindergarten in order to better prepare them for school.

The library will host events throughout Long Beach to support young readers by  supplying book trackers, prizes and more, for families involved in the program.

According to the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, studies show that children who do not read at grade level by 3rd grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma.  

Children who cannot read at grade level face a lifetime of challenges which is why the Library Foundation, alongside generous donors, have provided the funding to support the Dive Into Reading program as  an investment that will significantly impact the lives of children as well as the entire community, said library foundation spokesperson Kate Azar.

The launch event will take place from noon to 2:00PM.

The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library is located at 5870 Atlantic Avenue.